House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation to promote the development of an important and growing segment of our state’s transportation infrastructure.

Over the last several years, our nation has seen a significant increase in the production, sale and use of electric vehicles. Major worldwide car manufacturers, including General Motors and Ford, have made commitments to expand their electric vehicle production over the next several years.

Here in Pennsylvania, we want to ensure that our transportation network has the infrastructure in place to support the motorists and businesses that opt to shift toward electric and alternative-energy powered vehicles. As we know already, there is a growing focus on cleaner, more efficient transportation resources with a desire to promote both economic opportunities and environmental responsibilities.

The Pennsylvania Clean Transportation Infrastructure Act will create a framework for building this infrastructure by combining the expertise of our transportation and public utility sectors without added burdens on our ratepayers. Under this proposal, Pennsylvania will:
 

• Establish a state goal of increasing electrification by at least 50 percent over currently forecasted levels by 2030;
• Require the development of regional electrification infrastructure frameworks for our metropolitan areas;
• Direct electric utilities to develop infrastructure implementation plans to support the development of these networks under PUC oversight; and
• Require recommendations to the Legislature and PUC on strategies to promote other clean transportation options, including CNG and hydrogen.

This proposal is similar to that of Senate Bill 596 of 2019, sponsored by our colleague, Senator Bob Mensch. This measure passed the Senate overwhelmingly last session.

Given Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in energy production both nationally and worldwide, we are uniquely positioned to also be a leader in advancing a transportation infrastructure that feeds from our state’s energy resources. The Pennsylvania Clean Transportation Infrastructure Act will provide the opportunity to be a leader in this space, and I would encourage all who supports these efforts to join with us in sponsoring this effort.